Objects and Places

This page contains a list of Objects and Places that are associated with Luton's Great War 1914-1918. They have been scanned/photographed and uploaded by project volunteers and members of the public. Many of these objects are linked to individuals and/or events, and form part of a larger story.

A sad reminder of a loved one's sacrifice : this large bronze memorial plaque was sent with a parchment scroll to the next of kin of those who lost their lives on active service in World War I. They became known as the Dead Man's Penny.

The Military Medal was introduced in March 1916 for NCOs and other ranks to reward acts of bravery not considered of sufficient heroism to merit the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The award of the decoration was announced in the London Gazette without any details of the bravery

Field Service Postcards were used by soldiers on active service to send speedy messages home without any need for censoring by their officers. Their purpose was to reassure their loved ones that they were alive and well and to confirm that letters and parcels from home were getting through to the

William Austin in his 1928 book The History of Luton and its Hamlets wrote the following about the Town Hall: "A small Company was formed this year for the purpose of erecting a Town Hall, and, on the 27th August, 1847, the new building was opened".

Isn't it ironic how human nature remains the same despite the ages, geography and even in the midst of a world war? I came across a rather funny advert today in the Luton News Archives that shows how weight concerns and diets were still as popular in Luton during the war as they are now.

The handbook includes a review of Luton Town's 1914-15 season in the Southern League and the 1916-17 season in the Combination league. It also lists the Luton Town players who served in the Army during the War and those who were killed or wounded.

The purpose of this entry, is to provide links between the lives of servicemen in town, and their employers. So if Jack Smith worked for Mr Tucker the Drapers, then these links will hopefully be added by contributors as the website builds.